Mission Statement
“Changing the world one person and one story at a time by empowering others to live their best life.”
Vision:
To create healthier communities where every individual has access to compassionate support, trusted resources, and opportunities to improve overall health and well-being.
Trust The Change presents itself as a nonprofit organization dedicated to:
Crystal Dawn Ellison is the Founder and Executive Director of Trust The Change, a Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the world one person and one story at a time by empowering others to live their best life.
Raised in Monroe, Michigan, Crystal’s passion for serving others was shaped through her own life experiences, years of advocacy, and a deep commitment to helping individuals and families overcome barriers to health, wellness, and opportunity. For more than 17 years, she has been a dedicated advocate for her son, who was born with autism and epilepsy, navigating complex healthcare, educational, and community support systems while developing a firsthand understanding of the challenges many families face.
Crystal also worked closely alongside Monroe County Community Mental Health for approximately five years, collaborating with professionals and community partners to support individuals with behavioral health needs and disabilities. Those experiences reinforced her belief that lasting change happens when people are empowered with knowledge, encouragement, compassionate support, and meaningful connections to community resources.
In 2021, Crystal founded Trust The Change to bridge the gap between healthcare and community support by providing person-centered, non-clinical health and wellness services that help individuals navigate systems of care, improve their overall well-being, and achieve their personal goals. Under her leadership, the organization has hosted multiple successful fundraising events, participated in community outreach initiatives, built partnerships with local organizations, and continues working toward expanding access to services throughout Michigan.
Outside of her nonprofit work, Crystal has personally lost more than 100 pounds through lifestyle changes and is passionate about encouraging others to pursue healthier, more fulfilling lives. She is also a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), having served four years as Secretary of her Toastmasters club, where she has developed leadership, communication, and public speaking skills that she now uses to advocate for healthier communities and inspire positive change.
Crystal believes every person deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Through Trust The Change, her vision is to create stronger communities where individuals and families have access to the support, education, and resources they need to live healthier, more independent, and more hopeful lives.
“Changing the world one person and one story at a time isn’t just our mission—it’s the commitment that guides every conversation, every partnership, and every life we have the privilege to serve.” — Crystal Dawn Ellison
April Shankleton serves as the Volunteer Program & Community Engagement Coordinator for Trust The Change. She brings years of experience supporting nonprofit organizations, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach efforts throughout Monroe County. April previously worked alongside her father in operating the IDA Auction House in Ida, Michigan, where she developed strong organizational, customer service, and community relationship skills. She is a passionate advocate for strengthening local communities and has volunteered with organizations including Oaks of Righteousness Homeless Shelter in Monroe, Michigan. Through Trust The Change, April supports fundraising efforts, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships while helping advance the organization’s mission of empowering individuals to live their best lives.
Responsibilities:
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